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Physics & Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western Washington University offers a B.S. degree in physics and a B.A.Ed. degree in physics/mathematics education. The physics B.S. is based on a core curriculum that covers the five fundamental theories of physics: mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity, and quantum mechanics. Laboratory work forms an important part of many of the core courses, including sophisticated upper-division laboratories. Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics are well prepared for graduate school in a variety of fields including physics, astronomy, engineering, and materials science.

Physics majors at Western Washington University have a wealth of opportunities available to them to participate in meaningful hands-on research and teaching experiences. Such opportunities include working as laboratory teaching assistants for lower division classes. In addition, active research programs in astronomy, theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, and physics education research actively recruit students, providing them the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research.